plural of transvestite; people who dress in clothes associated with the opposite gender
From German Transvestit (1910), coined by sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld from Latin trans- 'across' + vestire 'to clothe'
The term was actually coined by a pioneering German sexologist over a century ago, though today we use more nuanced language to describe the rich spectrum of gender expression!
The term 'transvestite' is a clinical-era label (1910s–1980s) that conflates gender expression with sexuality and pathology. Modern usage is considered outdated and offensive by many in LGBTQ+ communities; the term was weaponized in medical and legal contexts to criminalize gender nonconformity.
Prefer 'transgender,' 'gender nonconforming,' or specific identity terms (drag performer, cross-dresser, nonbinary person) depending on context. Ask the person their preferred term. Avoid 'transvestite' in contemporary writing.
["transgender person","gender nonconforming individual","cross-dresser","drag performer"]
Transgender and gender nonconforming people have defined their own language; honoring self-identification is both ethical and accurate.
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